Jul 31, 2026
It was great for drivers to get hands-on, practical experience with deer at Mt Hutt Station.
The best quality assurance programmes are often the ones nobody sees. Consumers increasingly expect high standards of animal welfare and care, but the work that underpins those expectations happens long before a product reaches the shelf. In late June and July, a series of driver training days highlighted the role livestock transport operators play in safeguarding deer welfare.
It was encouraging to see around 20 livestock truck drivers gather at Mt Hutt Station in late June for a deer-specific training day. Organised by Philip Wareing Ltd, the event brought together drivers from across the wider Wareing transport group to focus on the unique requirements of transporting deer.
While the programme covered the theory behind safe and efficient deer transport, the highlight was the hands-on experience. For many younger drivers, it was a valuable opportunity to build confidence around deer and gain a better understanding of their behaviour in a supportive environment.
As DINZ Quality Assurance Manager Merryn Pugh noted, "Deer are unlike any other livestock species, and their transport demands specialist knowledge. Stress is the greatest risk to deer welfare, and accredited deer transport companies recognise that specialised driver training is fundamental to protecting animal welfare, minimising stress, and ensuring that every journey meets the highest standard of care.”
The day at Mt Hutt was followed with driver training sessions held in Timaru (8 drivers), Invercargill (19) and Gore (21) during early July, so nearly 70 attendees over the four recent courses, as well as a further 22 drivers who completed training in Central Otago during December 2025.
DINZ Board Director John Tacon has been engaged to deliver the latest round of DeerQA Transport training, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and practical experience to the role. Known to many simply as JT, he is uniquely qualified to lead the training, having previously owned and operated a deer transport business and served as DINZ's Quality Assurance Manager.
Drawing on decades of involvement in the deer industry, Tacon brings a practical perspective that resonates with drivers of all experience levels. His ability to connect industry standards and animal welfare requirements with real-world transport scenarios helps ensure the training is both relevant and immediately applicable, reinforcing best practice and supporting high standards across the sector.
"When you look back at the history of the DeerQA Transport Programme, what stands out above all is the industry's commitment to doing things well,” says Tacon.
“For many years, the programme has helped drivers build the skills and confidence needed to transport deer safely and professionally, and in doing so, has strengthened animal welfare outcomes across the sector. Every trained driver represents another step towards safer transport, better welfare outcomes, and greater confidence in the deer industry's standards."
"I've had the privilege of being involved with the programme throughout much of its journey, and it's encouraging to see how it continues to evolve and remain relevant today. Excellence in deer transport doesn't happen by chance. It's built through education, experience, and a commitment to doing the right thing."
